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Memorial poker run Saturday

Abba House is beneficiary

Forsyth County News

Crystal Ledford

Updated:
Aug. 13, 2010, 8:30 a.m.

If you’re going

The Second Annual Steve Hitt Memorial Poker Run & Cruise-In will be held rain or shine Saturday at Stars and Strikes, 133 Merchants Square. Registration begins at 10 a.m. and poker run at 11 a.m. Cruise-in and other activities will go on throughout the day. For more information, e-mail HittFamilyRide@gmail.com.

An event Saturday honoring a late motorcycle rider will benefit Abba House.

The Second Annual Steve Hitt Memorial Poker Run and Cruise-In will begin at 10 a.m. at Stars and Strikes Family Entertainment Center in Cumming.

Carrie Patterson, event organizer, said last year the ride benefitted Hitt’s family.

Steve Hitt was killed in June 2009 when his motorcycle collided with a sport utility vehicle on Hutchinson Road. The driver of the SUV was charged with second-degree vehicular homicide.

Patterson said all proceeds from this year’s fundraiser will go to Abba House, a women’s residential ministry in north Forsyth.

The facility assists women with addictions, or those who have suffered emotional or other abuse by providing support, education and job skills training.

Patterson said Saturday’s poker run, which will travel through Dawsonville, Gainesville and Buford before returning to Forsyth County, welcomes any type of motorcycle.

Cost is $20 for the first hand and $10 for each additional hand.

The cruise-in will feature different types of cars and trucks. She said there is no fee to participate in the car show.

In addition, the event will feature various family-friendly activities throughout the day at Stars and Strikes. Among them: live music, inflatables, refreshments and a raffle and auction.

“My goal was to offer as much stuff for the community to come out and have fun, even if they’re not into motorcycles,” Patterson said.

As of early this week, Patterson said about 65 motorcyclists had registered to participate.

“I expect a significant number more to show up Saturday,” she said, noting they can register beginning at 10 a.m.

Patterson said Hitt would be “so pleased” to help Abba House.

“He was the kind of guy who would literally give you the shirt off his back,” she said. “He would forego his own comfort to help others, and would never say ‘no’ to anybody in need.”